Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art occupies a renovated movie theater building with four exhibition galleries and a lounge area for visitors. The spaces are designed with minimalist elements that provide a clean setting for viewing artwork.

The museum opened in 1999 when a former cinema was transformed into an art venue, changing the cultural landscape of the city. Architect Will Bruder used minimalist design to keep the focus entirely on the artwork.

The museum presents rotating exhibitions of contemporary artwork and design from artists worldwide, with spaces arranged to encourage exploration and reflection. The selections focus on pieces that engage visitors with questions of form, materials, and current artistic thinking.

The building is easy to navigate with a straightforward layout connecting the four galleries. Visitors should plan to spend time moving through each space at a comfortable pace and exploring both indoor and outdoor areas.

A permanent installation called Knight Rise by artist James Turrell frames the Arizona sky through an oval opening in the ceiling. This artwork bridges the indoor space with nature, creating an experience that shifts throughout the day.

Location: Scottsdale

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Operator: SMOCA

Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11:00-17:00; Holidays off

Website: https://smoca.org

GPS coordinates: 33.49169,-111.92302

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:07